A Dream Doesn’t Just Have to Be a Dream
We all know the cliche of following your dreams. But can they really come true? Can a dream ever become reality? I decided to turn to some of my study abroad peers here in London to check in about how their dreams are coming along.
Adamari Ruelas is a first-year English and Creative Writing major from Denver, Colorado, and attends University of Colorado Boulder. She is studying in London through Arcadia’s study abroad program. I asked her why she wanted to study abroad. “It was something I’ve always wanted to do, I knew eventually I would do it,” she answered. I wondered why she chose London specifically. She said, “Growing up as a reader I knew London would be perfect because it is a capital of literature.” Moving onto dreams, I asked what her biggest dream was in the past that she still thinks of today. “Being a best-selling author and having books that help and influence people,” was her response. I wanted to know if she has been pursuing that dream. “I am. I’m in London.” I asked if she has had to overcome anything to follow this dream. “A lot of racism,” she replied, “It’s very blunt, but I grew up not knowing a lot of Mexican authors and also anything that has to do with the arts seems very intangible right now. People say stuff like ‘What if that doesn’t work out?’”
Sarah Guiseppe is an undeclared freshman from Reading, Pennsylvania, and attends Arcadia University, but is studying in London this semester. I begin by asking why she wanted to study abroad in London. “I always want to seize the opportunities I have and thought it was amazing I could study abroad in my freshman year. Also it’s hard for me to stay in one place for a long time so it was good to get away. London was my first choice because it’s English-speaking and, so far, an easy transition.” On the topic of dreams, I asked what dream she is still pursuing today. “My biggest dream since I was a child is to travel and that’s what I plan to continue doing.” She hopes to visit every continent, too. I asked if there were any obstacles standing in the way of her travels. “Finances are a big one. But Arcadia has made it more affordable with scholarships and grants. I know it will be harder to travel once I’m out of college, so I’m grateful to be doing it now.”
Samuel Santos, from Atlanta, Georgia, is a first-year international business major at Arcadia currently studying here in London. To begin, I asked why he wanted to study abroad in the first place. “I’ve always wanted to go away from my home and since high school I’ve wanted to move abroad or out of state,” he answered. Moving onto dreams, I asked if he is still following a dream he had since he was a kid. “To see the world. Since I was a kid my mom took me on a lot of vacations. That’s still something I want to do today.” I was curious if he thinks he will be able to pursue that here. “Absolutely,” he responded. “Especially since the flights are cheap. My number one place is Italy because I’m Italian and I’m actually going there soon. London has opened up a lot of opportunities for my travels. I also hope to get to Spain and Greece while I’m here.” I asked if he needed to overcome anything to start pursuing this dream. “No, I honestly feel really blessed to be able to come here and fulfill my dream,” he answered. “I did lose one of my suitcases though, so just that.”
Talking to people I knew last semester and new friends helped me gain a greater insight into following your dreams. From what I’ve learned, as long as you do everything within your power, your dreams can become reality. Take it from me. I’ve wanted to be a writer and study abroad in London for years now, and that is exactly what I’m doing.
